APA conducted an exclusive interview with Deputy Minister of Science and Education Firudin Gurbanov.

- Mr. Gurbanov, how should we envision the young people of the future?

- President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev outlined the new tasks facing young people in the new era as follows: "Our young people must not fall under the influence of foreign circles. You must be professional, knowledgeable, healthy both physically and morally, and ensure that Azerbaijan constantly develops and has its say as an independent country, not formally, but in reality!"

In this regard, the main priority facing our country is to raise a new generation that meets the challenges of the 21st century, possesses creative and critical thinking, a comprehensive worldview, the necessary knowledge and skills, respects national, moral and universal values, can effectively use innovative technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, understands its responsibilities toward its family, society and state, and is ready for the peaceful development and defense of the Motherland.

In a few years, entirely new professions will emerge as a result of accelerating technological development and the widespread application of artificial intelligence. Today, young people must be raised with the ability to think outside the box, learn independently, continuously develop themselves and improve their intellectual capabilities, becoming globally competitive human capital. Only knowledgeable, creative and morally sound young people can become our country's main strength and guarantee its future development.

It is no coincidence that the above-mentioned areas have been identified as priorities in Azerbaijan's education policy and strategy.

- As is known, the "Requirements Regarding Clothing for Educators in State General Education Institutions" have been approved by a relevant decision of the Cabinet of Ministers. In addition, amendments have been made to the "Descriptions of Uniforms for Students of State General Education Institutions." How would you comment on these decisions in general?

- First of all, we do not consider it appropriate to approach this issue solely within the framework of dress code rules. This concerns the educational environment based on social equality that we want to establish in schools, as well as ensuring mutual respect and equality between educators and students. When a student enters a classroom, they should feel not like someone distinguished by their family's financial means, their parents' worldview or another person's clothing, but as a dignified member of the same school community.

It should be noted that these decisions do not mean creating a new approach from scratch. The descriptions of school uniforms had already been established through regulations in the previous period. The latest amendments are intended to ensure clearer and more consistent implementation of the requirements and eliminate possible variations related to additional elements that undermine the uniformity of school attire. As enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, our education system is secular in nature. The rules also embody these principles.

The approval of separate clothing requirements for educators takes into account the teacher's role in school not only as a provider of knowledge but also as a person who sets an example through personal behavior, communication and manner of dress. Clothing that complies with a unified approach contributes to strengthening discipline within schools, while teachers' professional appearance has a positive impact on the school's public reputation.

Contrary to claims, these rules do not concern the use of a single uniform by teachers, although there have been attempts to create confusion among citizens on this issue. You know, today every person working in a school must serve as an example not only for students but also for society as a whole through their behavior and appearance. This is because a school is not only an educational institution but also a place of upbringing.

- Will the unified dress code established for state general education institutions also apply to private schools?

- The existing dress code rules cover state general education institutions. Nevertheless, private general education institutions may also establish their own relevant dress codes in accordance with their charters.

However, distinguishing between state and private schools on this issue may not be received uniformly by parents. Addressing these issues is equally important for all educational institutions in order to ensure student safety, protect the right to education and strengthen discipline within schools. We believe that the consistent application of these principles in all schools could have a positive impact on creating a healthier and more orderly educational environment.

- What measures are taken if students and teachers who do not comply with the dress code are not allowed to attend classes?

- First of all, we would like to appeal to parents: regardless of disagreements that may arise among adults, children should not have to suffer the consequences by falling behind in their education. According to the law, every parent is responsible for their child's school attendance, compliance with school rules and upbringing. Continuous absence from classes creates gaps in students' knowledge and affects their assessment and progression to the next stage of education. We believe that priority should be given to awareness-raising activities in this regard.

As for teachers, this is a matter regulated by labor relations and legislation.

Compliance with established clothing requirements is part of teachers' obligations concerning their professional activities, labor discipline and employment contracts. An employed person is responsible for fulfilling the terms of their employment contract, internal disciplinary rules and requirements lawfully applicable to them. Failure to report to work without a valid reason, failure to perform job duties or repeated violations of disciplinary requirements are unacceptable and are considered unlawful actions. It is no secret that the vast majority of teachers are already complying with these rules and continuing their teaching activities. Our expectation is that our teachers will stand by their schools and students at this important time and fulfill their professional duties with dignity.

- In general, what international practices exist regarding dress codes in educational institutions?

- There is no single model applied worldwide regarding this issue. Different countries approach it based on their legal systems, school traditions and public needs. For example, in the Kyrgyz Republic, clothing requirements in a classic style have been established for students in grades I–XI by a government decision. In Turkmenistan, a unified national dress tradition established for schoolchildren is applied. Girls wear green dresses and white aprons, while boys wear suits and ties. In Kazakhstan, the use of clothing elements indicating affiliation with different religious denominations is not permitted in school uniforms. By a decision of the Board of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, recommended dress codes have been approved for pupils, students and teachers. That document gives preference to a classic clothing style in educational institutions and provides for certain restrictions on appearance, including requirements concerning religious head coverings.

Even in Türkiye, there is legal regulation on this matter. According to the relevant regulation governing students' clothing and appearance, students in preschool educational institutions and primary schools are required to remain bareheaded inside schools.

All these examples show that unified school uniforms are among the tools used in international practice to organize the educational environment. The purpose of these rules is not to discuss students' personal choices. The aim is to create an environment appropriate to the nature of education in schools, where discipline and mutual respect are maintained and a unified approach is applied to all students.

- Will students in grades X–XI who do not comply with the dress code and do not attend classes receive graduation certificates?

- The final certification and assessment of students' knowledge are regulated by Decision No. 498 of the Cabinet of Ministers dated December 12, 2016. A student whose knowledge has not been assessed for any reason is not issued a certificate of general or complete secondary education.

- Is the introduction of unified clothing requirements also envisaged in vocational, secondary specialized and higher education institutions?

- At present, the discussion concerns specifically the dress code rules established only for students and educators of state general education institutions. Currently, the introduction of unified clothing requirements for students in the aforementioned educational institutions is not envisaged.

- Will monitoring of compliance with dress codes continue regularly in schools? How is the process progressing?

- Yes, monitoring is expected to continue. These monitoring activities, carried out in accordance with the relevant decisions of the Cabinet of Ministers, cover the dress code rules for both students and educators. The purpose of monitoring is not merely to record what someone is wearing, but also to examine how the rules are explained and implemented in schools and the extent to which school administrations fulfill their responsibilities for supervision and awareness-raising. In other words, the responsibilities of students, teachers and school management are all examined.

During the initial monitoring activities, discussions were held with all participants in the educational process regarding cases of non-compliant clothing. Where necessary, parents were also invited to schools, and relevant explanations were provided. Pedagogical councils are carrying out work in this direction, and school administrations are fulfilling their responsibilities to ensure compliance with the decisions.

As part of the monitoring process, the relevant executive authorities have already begun meeting with the families of students who do not attend classes. As you know, under existing education legislation, general education is compulsory.

What matters to us is that the implementation of the established rules should serve to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation rather than become a source of conflict. In this regard, school administrations must explain the requirements to participants in the educational process in advance, inform parents in a timely manner, take an individual approach to each specific situation and, where necessary, coordinate with the relevant education management authorities.

I would particularly like to emphasize that the rules are applied in the same way to students who use special decorations, wear jewelry or come to educational institutions wearing clothing different from the prescribed school uniform. This serves to preserve uniformity in school attire.

Our goal is to encourage the active participation of every student, both girls and boys, in school life, their continued interest in education and their sense of responsibility. The rules are the same for everyone and serve this purpose; they are not aimed at banning any particular clothing component.

One important point here is that it is incorrect to associate unified dress codes solely with girls' clothing. The established requirements apply to both girls and boys. Boys' clothing that is inappropriate for the school environment, as well as other unsuitable clothing elements, also fall within the scope of this approach. The main issue is not to discuss a specific clothing element but to ensure the implementation of unified requirements for all students.

We believe that one important truth must not be forgotten amid these discussions: your children's education is extremely important for their future lives and the development of our society. Educated children shape not only their own futures but also the worldview of future generations, the well-being of families and the development of society as a whole.

Source: en.apa.az